Bears general manager Ryan Pace is deep into his reconstruction project in Lake Forest, heading for his second training camp with a roster and coaching staff that have his fingerprints all over them. Pace has been plenty busy — and certainly decisive with his moves — since last season ended. And now he hopes the troops he has given coach John Fox to work with can come together as a tough-minded and cohesive unit.

Of the 90 players under contract, 39 were not with the organization last season, clear evidence that the Bears still are molding the roster to their liking. And for those who haven't kept up with all the arrivals, exits and developments over the last six months, here's a refresher, via our top 10 offseason headlines.

Jan. 10

Tribune headline: Dolphins hire Gase as coach — Fox has lots of coordinator options

AL DIAZ / TNS Dolphins head coach Adam Gase directs a minicamp practice on June 16, 2016. Dolphins head coach Adam Gase directs a minicamp practice on June 16, 2016. (AL DIAZ / TNS) (AL DIAZ / TNS)

The big news: After one season as Bears offensive coordinator, Adam Gase left to become the Dolphins' head coach. At 38, Gase became the youngest head coach in the league. His departure also left the Bears to find a new offensive coordinator for the seventh time in the last 13 years.

What it means: Gase's exit was hardly a stunner. He had interviewed for five head coaching jobs — including with the Bears — the previous offseason. So Pace had been preparing to fill the coordinator role again. The Bears ultimately decided the in-house promotion of quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains made the most sense. Now it'll be up to Loggains to continue what Gase started. Loggains' close connection and open communication with Jay Cutler should help. And the coordinator's top priority, one at which Gase excelled, will require a vision to showcase Cutler's strengths while also not asking him to do too much. Still, while Cutler's progress will be most closely monitored, Loggains also takes over an offense that has major questions at every other position.

Feb. 13

Tribune headline: Turning the page — Bears cut ties with Forte, ending his stellar 8-year run with the team

Photos of former Bears running back Matt Forte.

The big news: A month before free agency began, Pace informed veteran running back Matt Forte that the Bears would let his contract expire and had no interest in negotiating a new deal.

What it means: Again, not a shocker; Forte's departure had been forecast for months. But the void left in the backfield may take significant time to fill. Forte, who signed a three-year, $12 million deal with the Jets, left Chicago as the second-leading rusher in franchise history (8,602 yards). So now comes a search for a worthy successor — or successors. Fox always has preferred a run-heavy offense with at least two backs sharing the load. Jeremy Langford will get the first crack at starting. Ka'Deem Carey's aggressive running style has caught the coaching staff's attention. And rookie Jordan Howard, a fourth-round pick, also should get a chance to carve out a role.

March 1

Tribune headline: It's no game of tag — Bears place franchise label on top WR, remain bullish on his future

Photos of former Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery.

The big news: The Bears slapped the franchise tag on top receiver Alshon Jeffery and didn't negotiate a long-term extension before the league's July 15 deadline.

What it means: Jeffery has no plans of protesting and instead will earn $14.6 million this season, given a 16-game slate to prove what he's worth. But many big questions remain. Can Jeffery stay healthy for an entire season after calf, groin and hamstring injuries cost him seven games last season? Does he want to stay in Chicago long term? Will he flourish or falter under the guidance of Loggains and ultra-demanding receivers coach Curtis Johnson? Jeffery's absence from the offseason conditioning program as well as all three weeks of organized team activities didn't sit well with his bosses. Now he must prove his toughness and focus once and for all. And when the season ends, the Bears' appraisal of his value will be revisited.

March 10

Tribune headline: TACKLE SHOP — Bears dive into free agency, lure run-stuffing ILB Trevathan, 316-pound RT Massie

Photos of Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan.

The big news: The Bears landed their top target in free agency, signing inside linebacker Danny Trevathan to a four-year, $24.5 million deal with $12 million guaranteed.

What it means: Trevathan has reunited with Fox, for whom he played with the Broncos in from 2012-14. And already, the 26-year-old's presence is energizing the defense. Trevathan was the leading tackler on the league's top defense last season with the Broncos, playing with a blend of instinct and tenacity that should appeal to Bears fans. The Bears also signed another gritty, instinctive inside linebacker on March 12 when they agreed to terms with former Colt Jerrell Freeman. Both players offer a blend of aggressiveness and playmaking ability the Bears didn't have at inside linebacker last season.

March 10

Tribune headline: An inside move — Massie signing should send Long back to right guard

Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune Bobby Massie is interviewed after practice at Halas Hall on June 8, 2016. Bobby Massie is interviewed after practice at Halas Hall on June 8, 2016. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune) (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)

The big news: The Bears signed offensive tackle Bobby Massie to a three-year, $18 million deal, causing a significant ripple effect up front.

What it means: Not long after the Massie signing became official, Kyle Long tweeted a picture of a deodorant stick with two key words across the front: "Right Guard." That was Long's playful way of celebrating his move back inside to the position at which he broke into the NFL. Long has gone to the Pro Bowl after each of his first three seasons. But it was obvious last year that his sudden move from right guard to right tackle was mentally taxing. While the Bears didn't enter free agency hell-bent on maneuvering in a way that would push Long back inside, they certainly understood the two-for-one value in upgrading both positions on the right side of the line with Massie's signing.

March 17

Tribune headline: Bennett trade a win for Pace, front office

Photos of the former Bears tight end.

The big news: The Bears traded tight end Martellus Bennett plus a sixth-round pick to the Patriots, getting a fourth-round selection in return.

What it means: Under Pace and Fox, the Bears have talked often about building around team-first players who have an unrelenting passion for football. To the bosses at Halas Hall, that means practicing hard all the time, accepting roles and not squawking about the desire for more money. Bennett failed to meet those wishes consistently. And while the Bears lauded his toughness and rare talents as a pass catcher and run blocker, they wondered just how invested he was in the grind. Ultimately, the Bears decided they would rather not deal with Bennett's mercurial nature. Over the last two months of last season, Zach Miller emerged as a top weapon at tight end with 31 catches, 404 yards and five touchdowns in his final eight games. That earned him a new two-year, $6 million contract and a chance to become the team's full-time starter.